When we awaken from our anaesthetized state, we have a moment of clarity before confusion begins to cloud our mind.

The TV that was switched off has clicked on again, and we are viewing a different set of images.

We have no recollection of the luminous appearances of the bardo of dharmata. We are wondering what has happened to us and where we are.

What has happened is that we have somehow failed to recognize the nature of mind in any of the previous bardo states, the intervals of this life, dream, meditation, dying and dharmata.

If we had, then this sixth and final bardo experience would be unnecessary; it would be naturally transcended and transformed.

However, since we are here, we are like a child who cannot find its mother. Once again the child has to take this lonely journey. One more time, we have to wander in samsara.

The bardo of becoming begins when we regain consciousness after having fainted in the bardo of dharmata.

It ends when we enter the womb of our future mother, thus beginning another cycle in samsaric existence.

This bardo is known as the bardo of “becoming” or “existence” because at this time, there is a sense that anything is possible. It is taught that it is possible to take birth in any realm or state of existence.

There is the possibility of taking birth in an utterly sane environment—of leaping into a buddha field—or of taking rebirth as a bodhisattva on the bhumis—one of the ten stages on the path to enlightenment.

It is also possible to take birth as a human being or an animal, a god or a demon. Thus, this bardo is called the bardo of becoming since we can become anything—we can take birth in any form.

Source: Based on Ponlop, Dzogchen. Mind Beyond Death. Shambhala Publications. Kindle Edition.

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